A group of lawyers will submit a protest memorandum to inspector-general of police (IGP) to complain over the recent manhandling of their colleague Amer Hamzah Arshad.

In a statement today, lawyers N Surendra and Latheefa Koya urged fellow lawyers to join them in a gathering front of the federal police headquarters at noon on Wednesday.

Elaborating on the manhandling incident, the duo said Amer Hamzah had on March 25 secured bail for actor Khaeryll Benjamin Ibrahim, who was arrested on a drug possession charge.

About 10 plain clothed police personnel then converged on Amer Hamzah and his client near the bail processing counter. The police then attempted to arrest Khaeryll Benjamin.

“At this point, Amer Hamzah was assaulted and briefly arrested. Two policemen grabbed Amer Hamzah and held him back with force.

“Amer Hamzah protested his treatment, and repeatedly asked the police not to touch him. Eventually he was released as his client was bundled away,” read the statement.

IGP urged to act

According to the statement, the police actions were criticised as “unlawful, oppressive and arbitrary” and a “gross interference” with a lawyer’s duty to his client.

“Amer Hamzah was discharging his duties in the best traditions of the Malaysian Bar when he sought explanation from the police as to why his client was being arrested. Despite being surrounded by police, he continued to speak out for his client, as he was bound to do.

“The aggressive and unlawful response of the police is a reflection of the general arrogance and lack of respect for the rule of law widely displayed by the police force.

For this, the IGP will be asked to take stern action against the police personnel who assaulted Amer Hamzah and the officer in charge at the time.

The IGP would also be urged to ensure that the police no longer interfere with lawyers carrying out their duties.